AFC West Teams Go 1-1 on First Sunday
By Craig Hurst
The Kansas City Chiefs start the season 0-1 after losing to the Buffalo Bills 41-7 and the San Diego Chargers go to 1-0 after beating the Minnesota Vikings 24-17.
The Chiefs, who suffered the franchises second worst home loss on Sunday, could never get things going after fumbling the opening kickoff, hich ultimately led to the Bills first of five touchdowns. The Chiefs sole bright spot of the day came near the end of the first half when Jamal Charles caught a pass from Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel and scored the Chiefs only touchdown of the day. Chief fans, who probably had high expectations considering the Chiefs won the AFC West in 2010, began heading for the exits midway through the third quarter.
Like Kansas City, San Diego’s season got off to a rough start due to special teams when Minnesota Viking kick returner Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown. Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding was injured on the play and did not return. San Diego punter Mike Scifres took over the extra point & field goal duties helping the Chargers overcome a sluggish first half to get their first win of the young season. Philip Rivers ended the game with 33 completions for 335 yards and two touchdown passes.
The Chiefs and Chargers have completed 1/16th of their regular season and like most teams, it is obvious there are a lot of areas that need improvement.
Barring an unlikely tie, either the Broncos or Raiders will soon join the Chiefs at 0-1, while the other team will join the Chargers at 1-0. Fans must remember that the NFL season is a marathon and not a sprint. A week one win does not make a season just as a week one loss does not end a season.
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